What is linguistics?

Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It attempts to answer fundamental
questions such as, What is language? How does it work? How is it represented in the
mind? What features do all human languages share in common? How do languages change
over time?

Within universities, linguistics is often grouped together with other social and behavioral
sciences such as anthropology and sociology. However, the concerns of linguistics
also overlap with those of English and other humanities, and with certain physical
sciences such as acoustics and computer science. And because language is ultimately
situated in the brain, linguistics is sometimes considered one of the "cognitive sciences,"
along with psychology, philosophy, and artificial intelligence.

SJSU Linguistics program: Goals, Objectives, and Assessment

As of 2008, it is possible to work on Master's degrees simultaneously in both our
Linguistics and MA TESOL programs; some course work may be applied to both. Interested
students should contact the Coordinators of both programs, early in their studies,
for more information and degree planning.

Who's hiring linguistics majors?

Some graduates of the SJSU Linguistics program go on to pursue advanced degrees, while
others enter the job market. Many of our students pursue internship opportunities
at local Silicon Valley companies in order to gain valuable work skills while pursuing
their studies. Examples of the kinds of jobs open to linguists are listed here:

Click here to download the form to declare your major. Download it, write "Linguistics" in the
space for "New Major Objective," and call 924-4413 to make an appointment for thedepartment
chair's signature.